Illinois
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
Established Campground
Forty-two sites tucked around a small lake with swimming beach, boat ramp, and fishing pier. Most sites can handle medium-sized rigs, though the loop roads are narrow and sites are close together. Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at every site, but no hookups or showers. Gets busy on weekends but usually has spots available midweek.
The campground sits right at the Pounds Hollow Quarry trailhead — you can literally walk from your campsite to the technical loop that winds through the abandoned quarry workings. Access is via paved Forest Road 402, then a short gravel spur that any vehicle can handle.
Lake camping at the quarry trail gateway
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Illinois Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Herod, Illinois |
| Miles from pavement | 3.2 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 42 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $15.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |